Core:
noun, the most important part of a thing, the essence; from the
Latin cor, meaning heart.

Volume 2.2

This Views Prose

September 16, 2002

Flight 93
Patriots: Our Heroes, Our Family

Here in Pennsylvania, today is truly a day of remembrance and deep reflection.

We remember brave firefighters who climbed the steps of a crumbling World
Trade Center to save lives though they most certainly knew it would cost
them their own.

We remember courageous Americans who ignored searing heat and flame to
save those caught inside the Pentagon.

And here, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, we remember heroes who unselfishly
gave their lives so that others may live.

Now, one year later, as we reflect on their sacrifice, I cant help
but feel humbled at the incredible courage shown by ordinary Americans
that day.

When many of us awoke on Sept. 11, America was a country at peace. Times
were good. We hadnt known war in quite some time.

Then, just like that, our peace was shattered by cowards who sought to
destroy our way of life. They thought we were weak. They thought we would
simply stand aside.

Early on the morning of Sept. 11, in the skies above us, they got their
answer.

Americans will always rise to the challenge.

Americans will always fight for freedom.

And Americans will never surrender our way of life.

Today, we stand on a battlefield.

It is unlike other battlefields in our nations history because
that day Americas first defenders werent battle tested.

They werent even armed.

They were ordinary Americans who were off to work or to visit family.

And in an instant, they became one of the most heralded military units
in our nations rich history.

Some say that Americas war against terror really began when our
armed forces landed in Afghanistan last October.

But we know better. Those of us here today know better.

It was here that freedom took its first stand.

And thats why we come here together today to remember heroes who
made the ultimate sacrifice.

They decided their fate wasnt in the hands of terrorists.

It was in their own.

Their heroics are so incredibly pure  their sacrifice so enduring.

It calls to mind something a great American ally, Winston Churchill,
once said: "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so
many to so few."

And this country will make good on that debt.

You know, a year ago, I came here mournfully at witnessing such great
personal loss and the sad reality that there was precious little we could
do. I was overcome by emotion because everything felt so painfully final.

But I was wrong. I was wrong because finality means something has reached
an end.

But as I stand here, today, I continue to feel the indomitable spirit
of Americas Flight 93 patriots. I feel it in my heart. And I see
it in your eyes.

What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence?
It is not our frowning battlements, our bristling seacoasts, the guns of
our war steamers, or the strength of our gallant and disciplined army. These
are not our reliance against a resumption of tyranny in our fair land. All
of them may be turned against our liberties, without making us stronger
or weaker for the struggle. Our reliance is in the love of liberty
which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation
of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands,
everywhere. Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism
around your own doors. Familiarize yourselves with the chains of bondage,
and you are preparing your own limbs to wear them. Accustomed to trample
on the rights of those around you, you have lost the genius of your own
independence, and become the fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises.